Chhattisgarh
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Chhattisgarh

Waterfalls and forests of Bastar

Photo: Iamg, CC BY-SA 3.0
Capital

Raipur

Best time to visit

July to February (falls are fullest after the monsoon)

Getting there

Fly into Raipur. Jagdalpur, the base for Bastar, has a small airport and is a 6 to 7 hour drive from Raipur.

Ideal trip

3 to 5 days to cover the highlights

About Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh is one of India's most forested states. The Bastar region in the south is known for tribal markets, dhokra metalcraft and some of the biggest waterfalls in central India.

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Popular cities in Chhattisgarh

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BhilaiBilaspurDurgJagdalpurKorbaRaipur

Top places in Chhattisgarh

Barnawapara Wildlife SanctuaryPhoto: RameshSharma1, CC BY 2.0

Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary

Dense teak and sal forest near Raipur with gaur, leopards and easy jeep safaris.

Best time: November to JuneBase: Raipur1 dayWildlifeNature
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From Wikipedia

The Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Mahasamund district. It was established in 1976 under the Wildlife Protection Act.

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Bastar and JagdalpurPhoto: Shaswat Nimesh, CC BY-SA 4.0

Bastar and Jagdalpur

The heart of tribal Bastar, with weekly haats, bell-metal craft and the 75-day Bastar Dussehra.

Best time: October to FebruaryBase: Jagdalpur2 daysCultureNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Jagdalpur is a city located in the southern part of Chhattisgarh state in India. It is the administrative headquarters of the Bastar district and Bastar division. Before the independence of India, it also served as the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Bastar. It is the fourth largest city of Chhattisgarh. Bastar district has multiple scenic waterfalls that are popular for tourists throughout India.

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Chitrakote FallsHidden gemPhoto: Iamg, CC BY-SA 3.0

Chitrakote Falls

A horseshoe-shaped waterfall on the Indravati river, often called the Niagara of India. At its widest during the monsoon.

Best time: July to OctoberBase: Jagdalpur1 dayNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

The Chitrakote Falls is a natural waterfall on the Indravati River, located approximately 38 kilometres to the west of Jagdalpur, in Bastar district in the Indian state of Chhattisgarh. The height of the falls is about 29 metres. It is the widest waterfall in India, reaching a width of nearly 300 metres during the peak monsoon season. Because of its width and horseshoe shape during the monsoon season, it is often called the "Niagara Falls of India".

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Video by HISTORY TV18 on YouTube

Tirathgarh FallsHidden gemPhoto: Harminder singh saini, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tirathgarh Falls

Tiered falls inside Kanger Valley National Park, close to limestone caves.

Best time: July to JanuaryBase: Jagdalpur1 dayNature
Directions
From Wikipedia

Kanger Valley National Park is a national park in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh state in India. It came into existence in July 1982 and covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometres. The park extends from the Teerathagarh waterfalls in the west to the Kolab river in the east, spanning an average length of 33.5 km and an average width of 6 km from north to south. It derives its name from the Kanger river, which flows centrally through it.

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Video by Dk 808 on YouTube

SirpurHidden gemPhoto: Satyajeet Sahu, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sirpur

Ancient Buddhist, Jain and Hindu ruins, including the brick Laxman Temple from the 7th century.

Best time: October to MarchBase: Raipur1 dayHeritageSpiritual
Directions
From Wikipedia

Sirpur Group of Monuments are an archaeological and tourism site containing Hindu, Jain and Buddhist monuments from the 5th to 12th centuries in Mahasamund district of the state of Chhattisgarh, India. Located near an eponymous village, it is 78 kilometres east of Raipur, the capital of the state. The site is spread near the banks of the river Mahanadi. The town of Sirpur has been mentioned in epigraphic and textual records dated to the 5th to the 8th centuries CE.

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Video by Chhattisgarh Tourism on YouTube

Kanger Valley National ParkHidden gemPhoto: VishuN, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kanger Valley National Park

Limestone caves like Kotumsar, waterfalls and forest trails near Jagdalpur.

Best time: November to AprilBase: Jagdalpur1 dayNatureAdventure
Directions
From Wikipedia

Kanger Valley National Park is a national park in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh state in India. It came into existence in July 1982 and covers an area of approximately 200 square kilometres. The park extends from the Teerathagarh waterfalls in the west to the Kolab river in the east, spanning an average length of 33.5 km and an average width of 6 km from north to south. It derives its name from the Kanger river, which flows centrally through it.

Read more on Wikipedia ↗
MainpatHidden gemPhoto: Imsbhu2016, CC BY-SA 4.0

Mainpat

A cool plateau called the Shimla of Chhattisgarh, home to a Tibetan settlement and monasteries.

Best time: October to MarchBase: Ambikapur1 dayMountainsCulture
Directions
From Wikipedia

Mainpat is a hill station and small village in the Surguja district in the northern part of the state of Chhattisgarh, India. It lies about 55 kilometres by road from the divisional headquarter of Ambikapur. The hill station is 50 km south of Ambikapur, 160 km northeast of Korba, and 360 km northeast of state capital Raipur. This hill station is famous for the Ulta Pani or Bisar Paani which seems to defy the gravity and flows upward.

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Food to try

Chila, fara, bafauri, red ant chutney (chaprah) in Bastar, mahua sweets

Where to stay

Raipur as the hub, Jagdalpur for Bastar and the waterfalls

Getting around

Fly or train to Raipur, then road trips; Jagdalpur is about 6 hours by road

Good to know

Waterfalls are best just after the monsoon. Visit weekly tribal haats in Bastar for crafts.

Chhattisgarh: quick answers

What is the best time to visit Chhattisgarh?

July to February (falls are fullest after the monsoon)

How do I reach Chhattisgarh?

Fly into Raipur. Jagdalpur, the base for Bastar, has a small airport and is a 6 to 7 hour drive from Raipur.

How many days do I need for Chhattisgarh?

Plan 3 to 5 days to see the highlights, such as Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary, Bastar and Jagdalpur, Chitrakote Falls.

What food should I try in Chhattisgarh?

Chila, fara, bafauri, red ant chutney (chaprah) in Bastar, mahua sweets

Where should I stay in Chhattisgarh?

Raipur as the hub, Jagdalpur for Bastar and the waterfalls

Neighbouring states

Timings, fees, permits and road conditions change. Please check official sources before you travel.